ABOUT EPILEPSY

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Learn & Share Conference Calls

Education and Support are Just a Phone Call Away 
Two common needs among people with epilepsy and their families are the need for up-to-date information on epilepsy and support from others who are coping with the condition. Often, however, lack of transportation, fear of having a seizure, and other factors make it difficult to attend support groups and other community events. In response, Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan's Learn & Share Conference Calls provide an opportunity to both gain knowledge about epilepsy and related issues and share experiences to help others.

Interested individuals can participate in monthly Learn & Share Conference Calls by calling a phone number and entering the conference ID. You can learn more about each call and register online by clicking on "REGISTER" below. You can also contact Russ Derry (800-377-6226 ext. 1302) to register (recommended if you want to register for multiple calls).

While we'd prefer you to register, you can still participate if you haven't registered. Just call the following dial-in number at the start time for the call, and enter the conference ID when prompted*:


* Long-distance charges may apply. Please check with your phone or cellular provider.


2021

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)	Register
February 3          6:00 - 7:30 pm	Caregiving: Reflections and Resources	Anna & Wes Semelbauer – parents of child with epilepsy Chris Randolph – father of young adult with epilepsy Jeri Lauer – wife of husband with epilepsy Jacki Karns – caregiver of parent with epilepsy	LISTEN
March 3         noon - 1:30 pm	Navigating and Improving Our System of Epilepsy Care	Chloe Hill, MD, MS – Epileptologist Michigan Medicine	LISTEN
April 7           6:00 - 7:30 pm	Ketogenic Metabolic Therapies for Epilepsy	Anastasia Luniova, MD - Pediatric Epileptologist Lyndsay Cooper, RD - Ketogenic Dietitian Helen DeVos Children's Hospital	LISTEN
May 5             noon - 1:30 pm	Epilepsy and Intellectual  Disability	Beata Ruprecht, DO - Pediatric Epileptologist Ascension Hussam Shaker, MD - Epileptologist Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences	LISTEN
June 2            noon - 1:30 pm	Public Policy Advocacy to Benefit the  Epilepsy Community	Laura Weidner, Esq. - VP, Government Relations & Advocacy Epilepsy Foundation  Rachel Patterson - Senior Director, Government  Relations & Advocacy Epilepsy Foundation	LISTEN
July 7             12:00 - 1:30 pm	Program Spotlight: Children's Special  Health Care Services	Lisa Huckleberry - Parent Consultant Family Center for Children and Youth with  Special Health Care Needs	Register
August 4       noon - 1:30 pm	Psychiatric Medications and  Epilepsy	Gregory Barkley, MD - Epileptologist Henry Ford Health System Jules Constantinou, MD - Pediatric Epileptologist Henry Ford Health System	Register
September 1 6:00 - 7:30 pm	Integrative Medicine in the Management of Epilepsy	Tyson Burghardt, MD - Epileptologist Michigan State University	Register
October 6 6:00 - 7:30 pm	Managing Your Epilepsy: Transition Tips for Teens	Aubrey Brown – young adult with epilepsy Matthew Summerfield – young adult with epilepsy Miguel Teran – young adult with epilepsy Ashley Vader – young adult with epilepsy	Register
November 13	Wellness & Epilepsy Conference	No Learn & Share Conference Call scheduled
December 1 noon - 1:30 pm	Staying Safe with Seizures	Erica Austin, DO - Epileptologist Traverse City, MI	Register

 

2020

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)	Register
February 5          6:00 - 7:30 pm	Shared Decision Making for Improved Epilepsy Care	Bev Crider – Founder and CEO Patient & Family Partnerships, Inc.	LISTEN
March 4         noon - 1:30 pm	Pregnancy and Parenting with Epilepsy	Deepti Zutshi, MD – epileptologist DMC Harper University Hospital	LISTEN
April 1           noon - 1:30 pm	You're Not Alone: Combating Social  Isolation	Panel of people living with epilepsy	LISTEN
May 6             noon - 1:30 pm	Social Security Disability Benefits: Getting On and Off	Takeya Haugabook – Public Affairs Specialist Social Security Administration	LISTEN
June 3            noon - 1:30 pm	Rescue Medications for Epilepsy	Louis Dang, MD, PhD – pediatric epileptologist Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital	LISTEN
July 1             6:00 - 7:30 pm	Epilepsy & Employment: How Vocational Rehabilitation Can Help	Jovan Bayne – Vocational Rehab Counselor Michigan Rehabilitation Services	LISTEN
August 5       noon - 1:30 pm	The Role of Genetics in Epilepsy Diagnosis and Treatment	Danielle Nolan, MD – pediatric epileptologist Beaumont Children’s Hospital	LISTEN
September 2 noon - 1:30 pm	The Pipeline: What’s New in Epilepsy Research and Therapy Development	Erin Okazaki, MD – epileptologist Spectrum Health	LISTEN
October 7 6:00 - 7:30 pm	What Was That? Differential Diagnosis of Epilepsy	Daniela Minecan, MD - epileptologist Michigan Medicine	LISTEN
November 21	Wellness & Epilepsy Conference	No Learn & Share Conference Call scheduled
December 2  6:00 - 7:30 pm	Seizure Triggers: Identification and Management	Shailaja Gaddam, MD – epileptologist Henry Ford Health System	LISTEN

 

2019

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)	Register
February 6             6:00 - 7:30 pm	Deep Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy	Jason Schwalb, MD - neurosurgeon                                 Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Program	LISTEN
March 6         noon - 1:30 pm	Disability Laws: Your Rights in Education, Employment, and Beyond	Mark McWilliams, Attorney Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc.	LISTEN
April 3           noon - 1:30 pm	Epilepsy in Infants and Toddlers	Renee Shellhaas, MD – pediatric epileptologist Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children's Hospital	LISTEN
May 1             6:00 - 7:30 pm	Headache & Epilepsy	Lalitha Sivaswamy, MD – pediatric neurologist Children’s Hospital of Michigan	LISTEN
June 5            noon - 1:30 pm	EEG 101	Ryan Keating, DO – epileptologist Kimberly Patterson, R.EEGT – neurodiagnostic technologist Michigan State University	LISTEN
July 10             6:00 - 7:30 pm	Autism & Epilepsy	Elizabeth Leleszi, MD - pediatric neurologist Beaumont Children's	LISTEN
August 7       6:00 - 7:30 pm	Brain Injury & Epilepsy	Yanny Phillips, DO, PhD - epileptologist Bronson Neuroscience Center	LISTEN
September 4 noon - 1:30 pm	Epilepsy & Emotional Wellbeing	Elissa Patterson, PhD – health psychologist Najda Robinson-Mayer, MSW – clinical social worker Michigan Medicine	LISTEN Additional Resources
October 2 noon - 1:30 pm	Assessing and Addressing Cognitive Function in Epilepsy	Evan Tank, DO – epileptologist Spectrum Health Velisa Johnson, PhD – pediatric neuropsychologist            Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital	LISTEN
November 9	Wellness & Epilepsy Conference	No Learn & Share Conference Call scheduled
December 5  noon - 1:30 pm	Medication Side Effects	Maysaa Basha, MD - epileptologist DMC Harper University Hospital	LISTEN

 

2018

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)	Register
February 7 6:00 - 7:30 pm	Epilepsy Surgery: Resection, Disconnection, and Ablation	Ellen Air, MD – neurosurgeon Christopher Parres, MD – epileptologist Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Program	LISTEN
March 7 6:00 - 7:00 pm	Public Benefits and Supports for Adults with Epilepsy	Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq., Executive Director The Arc of Oakland County, Inc.	LISTEN
April 4 6:00 - 7:30 pm	Epilepsy in Older Adults	Rohit Marawar, MD – epileptologist DMC Harper University Hospital	LISTEN
May 2 noon - 1:30 pm	The Nature of Epilepsy: from Causes to Consequences	John Bunka, DO – epileptologist Bronson Neuroscience Center	LISTEN
June 6 6:00 - 7:30 pm	Transition Planning: Considerations for Teens with Epilepsy	Rajkumar Agarwal, MD – epileptologist Children’s Hospital of Michigan Jill Mazur Skornicka - parent mentor Michigan Alliance for Families Mitch and Janet Weisz - parents of young adult with epilepsy Michelle Brunsch - parent of young adult with epilepsy	LISTEN
July 11 noon - 1:30 pm	Smartphone Apps and Online Tools for Managing Epilepsy WEBINAR – preregister for details	John Hixson, MD – epileptologist UCSF School of Medicine	WATCH
August 1 noon - 1:30 pm	Navigating Health Insurance	Amy Miilu – Health Insurance Resource Specialist Department of Insurance and Financial Services	LISTEN
September 5 6:00 - 7:30 pm	Neuromodulation for Epilepsy: VNS, RNS, and Beyond	David Burdette, MD – epileptologist Spectrum Health	LISTEN
October 3 noon - 1:30 pm	Sleeping Well with Epilepsy	Timothy Hoban, MD – pediatric epileptologist and sleep specialist Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital	LISTEN
November 10	Wellness & Epilepsy Conference	No Learn & Share Conference Call scheduled
December 5 6:00 - 7:30 pm	Childhood Epilepsy Syndromes: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis	Alexandra Shaw, MD – pediatric epileptologist Beaumont Children’s Hospital	LISTEN

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2017

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)	Register
February 1	Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Evaluation	Eishi Asano - MD, PhD - pediatric epileptologist Amy Luat, MD - pediatric epileptologist Children's Hospital of Michigan	LISTEN
March 1	Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)	Orrin Devinsky, MD - epileptologist NYU Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Kellie Jankowski, GC-C - support & community program coordinator SUDEP Institute, Epilepsy Foundation	LISTEN
April 5	Cannabis for Epilepsy	Gregory Barkley, MD - epileptologist Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center	LISTEN
May 3	Accessing Appropriate Epilepsy Care	Linda Selwa, MD - epileptologist University of Michigan Health System Jane Turner, MD - pediatrician Michigan Department of Health & Human Services	LISTEN
June 7	Management of Status Epilepticus	Donald Phillips, MD – pediatric epileptologist Beaumont Children’s Hospital Nikesh Ardeshna, MD – epileptologist Beaumont Neurosciences	LISTEN
July 5	Strategies and Tools for Managing Cognitive Problems	Michael Wolff, PsyD, ABPdN – neuropsychologist BRAINS Amy Peterson – adult with epilepsy and parent of child with epilepsy	LISTEN
August 2	Seizure Types and Classifications	Erica Austin, DO - epileptologist Traverse City, MI	LISTEN
October 4	The Ketogenic Diet: It's Not Just for Kids Anymore	Jennifer Fillenworth, RD - clinical dietitian Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences	LISTEN
December 6	Epilepsy and Relationships	Courtney L. Kowalczyk, MS – pediatric psychologist Horizons Developmental Resource Center Andrea Thomas, MA LLP – psychologist Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center	LISTEN

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 2016

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)	Register
February 3	Appropriate Treatment of Localization-related Epilepsy                                               WEBINAR	Jason Schwalb, MD - neurosurgeon Henry Ford Health System	VIEW
March 2	Maximizing Independence with Epilepsy	Amber Vondra - transition coordinator Disability Advocates of Kent County Susan Woolner - patient support coordinator Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences	LISTEN
April 6	Epilepsy and the Immune System	Mitchel Williams, MD, PhD - pediatric neurologist Children's Hospital of Michigan	LISTEN
May 4	Complementary Approaches to Seizure Management	Mohammad Poostizadeh, MD – epileptologist Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences	LISTEN
June 1	Epilepsy and Physical Health	Yanny Phillips, DO, PhD - epileptologist Bronson Neuroscience Center	LISTEN
July 20	Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits	Sharon Rossiter - Disability/Social Security Advocate Disability Management	LISTEN
August 3	Epilepsy Management in Women and Girls	Basel Assaad, MD – epileptologist Henry Ford Health System	LISTEN
September 7	Epilepsy Decisions: How to Make Informed Choices	Rachel Fabris, MD – epileptologist Spectrum Health	LISTEN
November 2	Diagnosis and Management of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures	Nicholas Beimer, MD – epileptologist Scott Winder, MD – psychiatrist Elissa Patterson, PhD – health psychologist Najda Robinson-Mayer, LMSW - clinical social worker University of Michigan Health System	LISTEN

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2015

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)	Register
February 4	Diagnosis & Treatment of Pediatric Epilepsy	Aimee Luat, MD - pediatric epileptologist Children's Hospital of Michigan	LISTEN
March 4	Stress Management & Relaxation Techniques	Andrea Thomas, MA, LLP - psychologist Henry Ford Health System	LISTEN
April 1	Residential Options for Adults with Epilepsy	Linda Brown - Housing Resource Consultant Community Housing Network	LISTEN
June 3	EEG and the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit	Judy Ahn Ewing, R. EEG/EP T., CNIM, CLTM    Amer Aboukasm, MD - epileptologist St. John Providence Health System	LISTEN
July 1	Epilepsy Self-Management	Toya Malone, MD Bronson Neuroscience Center	LISTEN
August 5	Epilepsy in Adolescents	Jules Constantinou, MD - pediatric epileptologist Henry Ford Health System	LISTEN
September 2	Cognitive Function & Epilepsy	David Nyenhuis, PhD - neuropsychologist Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences	LISTEN
October 7	Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Epilepsy	Temenuzhka Mihaylova MD, PhD – epileptologist University of Michigan Health System	LISTEN
December 2	Neurological Conditions Associated with Epilepsy	Ayman Haykal, MD – epileptologist Spectrum Health	LISTEN

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2014

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)
February 12	Epilepsy and Sleep	Linda Selwa, MD University of Michigan Health System	LISTEN
March 5	Seizure Types: Implications for Diagnosis and Management	Tyson Burghardt, MD Michigan State University	LISTEN
April 2	Attention, Executive Function, and Epilepsy	Christine Trask, PhD  Rhode Island Hospital	LISTEN
May 7	Complementary Therapies for Epilepsy	Gregory Barkley, MD Henry Ford Health System	LISTEN
June 4	Mood Disorders and Epilepsy	Adriana Tanner, MD Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences	LISTEN
July 9	Epilepsy Treatment: Recent and Future Advances	Ayman Haykal, MD Spectrum Health	LISTEN
September 3	The Ketogenic Diet and Other Dietary Therapies for Epilepsy	Denise Potter, RD, CSP, CDE C.S. Mott Children's Hospital	LISTEN
November 5	Epilepsy: Beyond the Nervous System	Deepti Zutshi, MD Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center	LISTEN
December 3	Developmental Disabilities and Childhood Epilepsy	Iqbal Allarakhia, MD St. John Providence Health System	LISTEN

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2013

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)
February 6	Ask the Epileptologist	Yvan Tran, MD Hauenstein Neuroscience Center at St. Mary's Healthcare	LISTEN
April 3	Epilepsy: Understanding and Managing Risks	David Burdette, MD St. John Providence Health System	LISTEN
May 1	Neurostimulation-Based Therapies for Epilepsy	Andrew Zillgitt, DO Henry Ford Health System	LISTEN
June 5	Severe Childhood Epilepsy Syndromes	Rani Singh, MD University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital	LISTEN
July 3	Medications for Epilepsy	Toya Malone, MD Bronson Neuroscience Center	LISTEN
August 7	Understanding Epilepsy at the Cellular Level	Ruggero Serafini, MD, PhD Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University	LISTEN
September 4	Managing Challenging Behaviors in Kids With Epilepsy	Brad Bridges, LMSW - BRAINS, LLP Bea Castillo - Director, Camp Discovery	LISTEN
October 2	Epilepsy Diagnosis	Nikesh Ardeshna, MD Spectrum Health	LISTEN
December 4	Epilepsy Surgery: Risks and Benefits	Oren Sagher, MD University of Michigan Health System	LISTEN

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2012

Date	Topic	Speaker(s)
February 1	Social Security Disability Benefits	Karen Starr, MS, CRC, SDA, CBIS, ADR STARR Disability Advocates, Inc	LISTEN
March 7	Speak Up, Speak Out: Public Policy Advocacy for Epilepsy	Bill Murphy, Epilepsy Foundation Arlene Gorelick, Epilepsy Foundation	LISTEN
April 4	Epilepsy Surgery	Chaim Colen, MD, PhD Beaumont Health System	LISTEN
May 2	Ask the Epileptologist	Aashit Shah, MD Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University	LISTEN
July 11	Aging Well With Epilepsy	Adriana Tanner, MD St. Mary’s Health Care	LISTEN
August 1	Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures	Andrea Thomas, MA, LLP Henry Ford Health System	LISTEN
September 5	Transition Planning for Youth With Epilepsy	Tricia Luker and Calvin Luker The Respect ABILITY Law Center	LISTEN
October 3	Medications for Epilepsy	Linda Selwa, MD University of Michigan Health System	LISTEN
December 5	Assistive Technology for Cognition	Michael Wolff, PsyD, ABPdN BRAINS	LISTEN

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The following Learn & Share Conference Calls from 2011 were recorded:

Diagnostic Tools for Epilepsy: From EEG to PET
Simon Glynn, MD - University of Michigan Health System
LISTEN 

Epilepsy in the Teenage Years
A panel of young adults who dealt with epilepsy as teens
LISTEN